Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1530649
their strengths, address any chal- lenges and truly maximize their potential." The team, however, isn't quite 100 percent at the moment: "I had a minor surgery on my wrist a few weeks ago, which was a bit of a setback, but I'm staying optimistic," said Hampshire. "My goal is still to defend my title. We'll set a clear plan for the sea - son in the coming weeks, and I'm really looking forward to getting back on the track." "RJ's early injury was unfor- tunate, but we're prioritizing his long-term success," Ramsey said. "We hope to get him lined up at Anaheim 1 but are not rushing it. If needed, we won't hesitate to pivot our focus on the East Coast title. Whatever the strategy, our goal is to position both riders for success and good health." Stewart is ready to go, how - ever. "The 2025 season feels like a fresh start," said Stewart. "It's been a productive off-season so far; everything is falling into place, and I'm coming off a great experience at the Paris Super - cross last month. I'm ready to kick off the year strong at A1." CN WIND IN THE P56 Yamaha Reveals 2025 SMX, Road Racing Teams Y amaha officially announced its SuperMotocross and MotoAmerica road racing teams, and many of the names will be familiar to you. In SuperMotocross, the Mon - ster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team will be made up of Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb and Justin Cooper. No changes. "I'm excited for 2025," said the veteran, Tomac. "For me the most important thing was to do my best to come in healthy, and as of now, I am a lot stronger than I was the year before. In 2024, I felt like I had a rushed preparation time, so I've done a lot of racing leading up to this point, and it should keep me sharp. To be sharp coming into Anaheim is going to be very important. As usual, it's going to be a very packed gate with a lot of guys that can win. I believe I am in a better position than the year before. I've had good results with the off-season racing and will try and continue that in the new year." The seven-rider 250 team has some new faces. The team will be made up of Haiden Deegan, Daxton Bennick, Nate Thrasher, Pierce Brown, Max Anstie, Cole Davis and Michael Mosiman. Christian Craig will race a 450 and serve as a development rider for the 250 team. In MotoAmerica, the Attack Performance Progressive Ya - maha Racing Team will be made up of Jake Gagne and newcom- er Bobby Fong, who is replacing Cameron Peterson. Yamaha Supersport Track Racing Team will also consist of two riders, Mathew Scholtz and recruit Blake Davis, last year's MotoAmerica Rookie of the Year. "Yamaha Racing is proud to be supporting Strack Racing to com - pete for the 2025 MotoAmerica Supersport title on the new YZF- R9," said Tom Halverson, Yamaha Racing Assistant Department Manager for YMUS. "Team owner Peter Strack has put together a fantastic crew to support Mathew and Blake in their run for the 2025 Supersport title, and we're excited for the upcoming season." CN Eli Tomac will head the Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha 450 Team in SuperMotocross. His teammates are again Cooper Webb and Justin Cooper.